E555VN Novolac Epoxy | Superior Steel & Concrete Chemical Vertical Protection | Tank Linings

COVERAGE RATE

CURE SCHEDULE

RECOAT TIME

APPLICATION TEMPERATURE:

55°-100°F with relative humidity below 90%.  When spraying, use a 50% overlapping crosshatch pattern to minimize the occurrence of pinholes.  Do not apply over dew or frost.  The surface should be dry and at least 5°F above the dew point.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE, SPLASH & SPILLAGE (spill time for 72 hours contact with surface)

MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

SURFACE PREPARATION

Steel: Remove oil, grease and other chemical contaminants by solvent wipe or steam cleaning.  Abrasive blast to SSPC-SP6 or better.  Apply over proper primer/intermediate coats.

Galvanized Steel: Solvent clean per SSPC-SP1 or steam clean.  Sweep blast to achieve a 1 mil profile.  Apply one (1) coat of E15M as a primer at 3-4 mils DFT.

Previously Painted Surfaces: Solvent clean per SSPC-SP1.  Remove loose existing paint by wire brush or other hand tools.  Feather edges.  Prime surface with E15M.   Make test application to check for compatibility.

Concrete: In all cases of surface preparation, the pH should be checked.  A pH reading of 7.0 to 8.5 is acceptable.  Also, a Water Dissipation Test should be made on random areas of the floor to determine if the proper degree of porosity has been achieved.  Before the installation of any Gulf Coat Paint Products, the substrate should be examined for moisture.  Test for moisture vapor transmission using ASTM F-1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.  The maximum allowable rate is 3 lbs. per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours.  Test for relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using Probes according to ASTM F-2170.  This test measures the presence relative humidity of the slab below the surface.  The maximum relative humidity should be below 80%.

New concrete must be cured at least a minimum of 28 days before applying a coating.  On-grade slabs must have moisture vapor barrier in place.  All laitance, sealers, efflorescence, chemical contaminants, grease, oil and other foreign material must be removed.  The prepared surface must be clean, dry and structurally sound.

Recommend mechanical preparation by means of shot blasting or diamond grinding to achieve a CSP-2 or CSP-3 profile, in accordance with the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI).  The profile should reflect something similar to a 60-100 grit sandpaper.  If the substrate is not properly prepared and the appropriate profile is not achieved, failure of the product to adhere to the substrate may occur.

Old concrete surfaces must be structurally sound.  Any unsound areas must be repaired prior to proceeding with the resinous installation.  For proper patching and repairing, use CF-615 and/or E1000 with graded aggregate.  Remove existing paint and loose concrete by rough sanding, sandblasting, high pressure water cleaning, shot blasting or grinding.  In some cases where plant conditions allow, a stripper may be used to remove excessive build-up of paints or sealers.

After concrete surface preparation is completed, prime the area with PC-149, PC-155 or PC-1703 Concrete Primer per label instructions.

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS

Stir each component to a uniform consistency using an explosion proof variable speed drill with a Jiffy mixer.  Then mix 4 parts Base A with 1 part Hardener B for 3 minutes using the powered Jiffy mixer.  E555VN may be reduced up to 20% with S-74 Solvent (or 100% MEK) per mixed gallon.  Do not substitute reducers.

Stir each component to a uniform consistency, using a slow speed variable speed explosion proof drill with a Jiffy Mixer.   Do not mix by hand.   Improper mixing may result in product failure. For best mixing results and proper blending of parts A and B, recommend a Jiffy Mixer style drill mixer.

Use of an improper drill mixer can result in curing problems if the hardener also called activator (Part B) is not thoroughly blended with the resin (Part A) which can cause some areas on your floor to remain soft and not harden properly.  DO NOT USE A PAINT MIXER.  Most mixing problems described above can be traced back to using a paint mixer..  DO NOT HAND MIX as this approach can result in the same problems as using a paint mixer.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Brush – use pure bristle brush

Roller – medium nap solvent resistant phenolic core

When spraying, use a 50% overlapping crosshatch pattern to minimize the occurrence of pinholes.  Do not apply to surfaces below 45°F or above 120°F.  Do not apply over dew or frost.  Do not apply if the temperature is within 5° of the Dew Point.

Time may be longer for thickness above 7 dry mils.  For safety and proper product curing, good ventilation is necessary when painting indoors or in confined areas.  Be sure the batch numbers are all the same to provide uniform color.  Epoxy coatings may yellow or darken during application and after final cure.  This will affect the color but will have no effect on the performance of the product.  Heaters that emit carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide can cause the coating to yellow.

Refer to the cure schedule as a guideline to follow, in addition we strongly recommend to test the coating before recoating or topcoating. This is done by pressing your thumb on the coating in multiple places to ensure a fingerprint impression is not visible. If there is no impression visible, then coating the floor can be done. Note, colder or hotter than 75 degrees can affect the curing time schedule  

CAUTIONS

E555VN Novolac Epoxy is Flammable.  Keep away from all sources of ignition during mixing, application and cure.  The Hardener and Base can cause eye and skin burns as well as allergic reactions.  Use goggles, fresh air masks or NIOSH approved respirators, protective skin cream and protective clothing. This product is sold without warranty as to performance expressed or implied.  Users are urged to make their own tests to determine the suitability for their particular conditions.

SEE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET FOR FULL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.  FOR PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY  KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.  NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL USE NOTICE TO BUYER: DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS ON OUR LIABILITY We warrant that our products are manufactured to strict quality assurance specifications and that the information supplied by us is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Such information supplied about our products is not a representation or a warranty. It is supplied on the condition that you shall make your own tests to determine the suitability of our product for your particular purpose. Any use or application other than recommended herein is the sole responsibility of the user. Listed physical properties are typical and should not be construed as specifications. NO WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, REGARDING SUCH OTHER INFORMATION, THE DATA ON WHICH IT IS BASED, OR THE RESULTS YOU WILL OBTAIN FROM ITS USE. N0 WARRANTY IS MADE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE MERCHANTABLE OR THAT OUR PRODUCT SHALL BE FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY IS MADE THAT THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION OR OUR PRODUCT WILL NOT INFRINGE UPON ANY PATENT. We shall have no liability for incidental or consequential damages, direct or indirect. Our liability is limited to the net selling price of our product or the replacement of our product, at our option. Acceptance of delivery of our product means that you have accepted the terms of this warranty whether or not purchase orders or other documents state terms that vary from this warranty. No representative is authorized to make any representation or warranty or assume any other liability on our behalf with any sale of our products. Our products contain chemicals that may CAUSE SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. BEFORE USING, READ THE SAFETY DATA SHEET AND FOLLOW THE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT BODILY HARM.

Check out our customer projects using E555VN Novolac Epoxy!

Industrial Site Utilizes E1501HN and E55VN to Protect Secondary Containment Area

What is E555VN Novolac Epoxy?

E555VN is a high-performance novolac epoxy coating designed specifically for vertical surfaces like walls, tanks, and structural steel in aggressive chemical environments. It offers extreme resistance to acids, caustics, solvents, and industrial chemicals, making it ideal for secondary containment, tank linings, and chemical processing facilities.

What makes E555VN different from standard epoxy coatings?

Unlike standard epoxies, E555VN is a novolac epoxy, meaning it has a higher cross-link density for significantly better chemical resistance and durability.

Key advantages:

• مقاists 98% sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide
• Built for vertical application without sagging
• Contains ceramic fillers for abrasion resistance
• Performs in harsh industrial and chemical environments

Is E555VN suitable for vertical walls and tank linings?

Yes—this is exactly what it’s designed for.

E555VN is engineered for:

• Vertical concrete and steel surfaces
• Tank walls and interior linings
• Secondary containment walls
• Pipe racks, structural steel, and equipment

It can be applied at 7–10 mils DFT on vertical surfaces without running or sagging.

What industries use E555VN Novolac Epoxy?

This coating is widely used in industries where chemical exposure is severe:

• Chemical processing plants
• Wastewater & sewage treatment
• Refineries and oil & gas
• Fertilizer and mining operations
• Power plants and battery storage facilities
• Pulp & paper mills

These environments require coatings that prevent corrosion, chemical attack, and structural degradation.

What chemicals can E555VN resist?

E555VN is formulated to handle extremely aggressive chemicals, including:

• Sulfuric acid (up to 98%)
• Hydrochloric acid (37%)
• Sodium hydroxide (70%)
• Fuels, solvents, and oils
• Acids, alkalis, salts, and industrial chemicals

This makes it ideal for spill areas, splash zones, and containment systems. For a full list of chemicals that the E555VN protects from, check out our Chemical Tab.

Can E555VN be used for secondary containment?

Yes—E555VN is specifically designed for secondary containment systems on both:

• Concrete
• Steel

It protects surfaces from chemical spills, leaks, and long-term exposure, helping facilities stay compliant and prevent structural damage.

Is E555VN suitable for primary containment or immersion service?

Yes—with the proper system.

E555VN can be used for:

• Tank linings
• Primary containment systems

For immersion or continuous exposure, it should be used as part of a specified system (typically with a primer like E15M) to ensure maximum performance.

What temperature and environmental conditions can it handle?

E555VN is built for tough jobsite conditions:

• Apply in temperatures as low as 45°F
• Cure down to 35°F
• Service temperature up to 280°F (dry)

This makes it a strong choice for cold weather or variable environments.

Does E555VN require a primer?

Yes—priming is recommended for best performance.

Typical system:

• Primer: Epoxy mastic (like E15M)
• Topcoat: E555VN (1–2 coats)

Priming improves:

• Adhesion
• Surface sealing
• Long-term durability

Can E555VN be applied to concrete and steel?

Absolutely. It is designed for:

• Structural steel
• Concrete walls and floors
• Masonry and block (with proper prep/filler)

Surface preparation is critical for performance—especially in chemical environments.

What is the coverage rate of E555VN?

At the recommended thickness:

• 180–260 sq. ft. per gallon
• 7–10 mils dry film thickness (DFT)

Actual coverage depends on surface profile and porosity.

Is E555VN abrasion resistant?

Yes—this coating includes ceramic fillers that enhance:

• Wear resistance
• Impact resistance
• Long-term durability in industrial settings

Where should you use E555VN vs. a horizontal novolac epoxy?

Use E555VN when:

• You need a coating for vertical walls or structures
• Sag resistance is critical
• You’re coating tank interiors, walls, or steel structures

Use a horizontal novolac (like E1501HN Novolac Epoxy) when:

• You need high-build flooring or containment areas
• Self-leveling or thicker systems are required

Is E555VN compliant for industrial and regulated environments?

Yes—E555VN meets USDA requirements, making it suitable for:

• Food-related facilities
• Industrial plants with strict compliance standards

How long does E555VN take to cure?

Typical cure times (at ~75°F):

• Tack free: 4–6 hours
• Recoat: 8–24 hours

Colder temperatures will extend cure time.

What are the biggest benefits of E555VN?

• Extreme chemical resistance (acid, caustic, solvent)
• Designed for vertical applications (no sag)
• Ideal for tank linings and containment walls
• Works in cold and damp environments
• Strong abrasion and corrosion resistance

Who should use E555VN Novolac Epoxy?

This product is ideal for:

• Facility managers
• Industrial contractors
• Engineers specifying containment systems
• Anyone needing long-term protection in harsh chemical environments

Final Thoughts: Is E555VN the right coating for your project?

If your project involves vertical surfaces exposed to aggressive chemicals, E555VN is one of the best-performing options available. Its novolac chemistry, vertical application capability, and extreme durability make it a go-to solution for tank linings, containment walls, and industrial structures.

For additional help on product selection for YOUR project reach out to us at 630-229-7450 or [email protected].